Claude seems to be handling these better:

This phrase isn’t a widely recognized idiom that I’m familiar with, but it could have several metaphorical interpretations:

Possible meanings:

• About irreversible change: Once something (or someone) has been through a transformative experience, you can’t go back and do it again the same way - the first experience has already changed it
• About authenticity: Suggesting that genuine experiences or reactions can only happen once; a second attempt would be artificial or forced
• About lost innocence: Once someone has been through a particular experience (especially a difficult one), they can’t return to their original state

Literally speaking, potatoes actually can be fried twice - this is a standard technique for making perfect french fries (blanching at lower temperature, then crisping at higher temperature).

Could you provide more context about where you encountered this phrase? Knowing the source or situation might help clarify its intended meaning. It could be:

• A line from a book, movie, or song
• A family saying or regional expression
• Part of a larger conversation about life experiences
• A philosophical statement someone made

What context did you hear this in?